For the longest time, my kids have laughed at me for my thrifty habits. For example, I reuse aluminum foil if it’s in good condition, I turn off lights whenever I leave a room and I won’t throw away leftovers. You could say that I’ve always practiced one of Benjamin Franklin’s suggested virtues, frugality, as outlined in his “Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection.” He says frugality means not spending unless it does good for yourself or others, emphasizing that you should waste nothing. Read more
Old Ben Has Timeless Advice
Posted on August 23, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
Posted in: Financial, Consumers, Savvy Tips
Tags: money, financial advice, frugality, budget, consumer tips, financial tips, consumer advice
Industry Overview: Moving
Posted on August 09, 2022 by James Florence
In terms of sheer scope, few enterprises are as exhaustive as moving. From the basic tasks of packing and transporting your belongings to more technical aspects like hiring a moving company and getting insurance, there are a lot of bases to cover. To “unpack” some of the complexities involved, we’ve curated the following collection of information, including key terms, helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions. Read more
Posted in: Moving, Consumers
Tags: home, relocation, mover, moving, home security
Seven Summer Scams
Posted on July 26, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
Along with rising temperatures this summer, we’re going to see a rise in seasonal scams. I’ve been getting warnings from consumer protection agencies about what to watch out for, and I want to pass them on to you. You may have heard of some of these rip-offs before, but be aware that new variations always pop up and can catch even the savviest consumers off guard. Read more
Posted in: Consumers, Savvy Tips
Tags: summer, consumer protection, consumer tips, avoiding scams, vacation, home security
Summer Travel Scam Alert
Posted on July 19, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
Many of you will be traveling by airplane this summer, and I hope you don’t get into the mess that my friend did. Here’s what happened. Eleanor and her husband booked two roundtrip tickets to Portland at different times, so they each had their own confirmation number. The day before the flight, Eleanor received an email confirming her trip but not her husband’s. Read more
Posted in: Financial, Seasonal, Bay Area, Consumers, Customer Service, Personal Stories, Savvy Tips
Tags: travel, air travel, flights, scam, airline, customer service, airport
Auto-Wise: Tips for Making a Smart Vehicle Purchase
Posted on July 07, 2022 by James Florence
Buying a car is a complex enterprise with several aspects to consider—not to mention a lot of pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re looking for something that’s new off the lot or simply new to you, it’s important to exercise caution so you can ensure a wise investment. Read more
Posted in: Auto Tips, Consumers
Tags: auto body, buying a car, used car, used vehicle, vehicle purchase, car purchase
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
Posted on June 28, 2022 by Chris Bjorklund
We’re all complaining about problems we’re having in the service sector since the pandemic wreaked havoc on all types of businesses. Have you spent 90 minutes on hold with a utility to clear up an incorrect bill like I have? If you’ve ordered new furniture, you may have been told the wait time is four to six months due to supply chain issues. And if you’ve been out to eat, you’ve probably experienced slower service (due to staffing issues) and higher prices. Read more
Posted in: Financial, Consumers, Customer Service, Personal Stories, Savvy Tips
Tags: local businesses, consumer tips, consumer advice, customer service, pandemic
Camp Grandma and Grandpa: Tips for Hosting Your Grandkids This Summer
Posted on June 21, 2022 by Suzanne Carroll
This year, countless children will be spending at least part of their summer at one of their favorite destinations: their grandparents’ house. If you’re planning on welcoming your grandkids this summer, you’re likely thinking about how to fill those special days. Maybe you’re planning beach outings or trips to the museum; maybe you’re also dreading the mess or worried someone might get hurt. Find out how you can get your home and yard ready for those rambunctious kids (and how to get your home back to normal once they’re gone). Read more
Posted in: Consumers
Tags: handyman, home safety, home organization, landscape design, home theater, house cleaning, holiday-related, summer-related, swimming pool, home